Source: Govt intensifies maize imports | Sunday Mail (Top Stories)

Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau

GOVERNMENT is importing an average 120 tonnes of maize from South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post daily, as efforts intensify to ensure food security.

Over the past week, the country has also taken delivery of at least 42 000 tonnes of maize imported from Tanzania and is being transported via Mozambique. Government purchased 100 000 tonnes of the staple from Tanzania as part of an extensive importation strategy since mid-last year.

More maize is expected from Uganda.

To cushion the food-insecure households, Government has extended subsidies to millers producing non-refined mealie-meal, which is being sold for $70 for 10 kg pack, compared to refined brands which cost double the amount.

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) spokesperson Mr Francis Chimanda confirmed that authorities were processing at least 120 tonnes of maize daily at Beitbridge Border Post.

Mr Chimanda said Government had scrapped Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported grain.

Furthermore, individuals were also permitted to import a maximum of 50 kg of mealie-meal duty-free, at any given time.

The individual imports, he said, must be declared on the F49 forms.

Mr Chimanda added that commercial importers of maize “must meet certain requirements including a valid agricultural permit, bio-safety permit and Agricultural Market Authority clearance.”

Late last year, Government lifted a ban on private grain sales and granted those with free funds permission to import maize quantities of their choice to complement Treasury’s efforts to enhance national grain reserves. Zimbabwe has been importing maize to ensure food security, with about 750 000 tonnes having been set aside to assist vulnerable groups.

The country is pinning hope on the current rains for a better seasonal harvest.This comes after a dry spell in December had dampened hopes of many farmers.

The general adverse weather patterns have been attributed to the effects of climate change.